Research about Bats: A Reading Lesson
Lesson Plan
1 hour 45 minutesGradesK, 1, 2English Language Arts, Visual and Performing Arts, Engineering
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Written by Lisa Greenwood
About this lesson
Students learn about the importance of bats and the threats they face.
Inquire: Students recall what they know about bats and learn more about them through a read aloud of Amara and the Bats by Emma Reynold.
Investigate: Students research bats and threats to their survival by participating in a read and write the room activity.
Inspire: Students make bat boxes to display and teach others about bats.
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Suggestions
- Students learn how personal action can help endangered animals.
- Students participate in model-making.
- This lesson can be used in Language Arts as an entry point to learning how to research.
Prerequisites
- Acquire a copy of the book Amara and the Bats by Emma Reynolds.
- Before the lesson, print the Read & Write the Room Cards that best fit your students’ reading proficiency. Tape them around the room where students can find them. Alternatively, hang the cards in a hallway for more space.
- To make bat boxes, the class will need cardstock, masking tape, scissors, and either paint or markers to decorate the boxes.
Differentiation
- Teacher assists students by asking them questions during the Read & Write the Room activity.
- Students might want to extend their knowledge of bats by doing additional research. To help, provide them with additional reading materials on bats.
- Students may participate in the Read & Write the Room activity independently or in pairs.
- The bat facts in the Read & Write the Room activity are differentiated to meet the needs of different readers. Choose the level that best fits the majority of your class’ reading proficiency or print different levels on different colored paper so students know which facts to look for.
- If using Level 1 Read & Write the Room cards, after students record the words, read the Level 2 bat facts aloud and point out the bold words for extra learning about bats.
- To extend student learning or provide options for early finishers, direct students to read additional books on bats and watch videos on Epic! Students can listen to many of the books using the "read to me" option.
From the scientist review
This lesson allows students to learn about bats and the conditions that could protect or endanger them. The lesson is well cited and is suitable for classroom use.
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About the teacher writer
Lisa Greenwood
K-2 Teacher
Lisa Greenwood holds a Master's Degree in Childhood Education from CUNY Hunter College. She has nine years of experience teaching all subjects, including STEM, for grades K–5. Lisa holds New York State Professional Certificates in Childhood Education and Special Education.
